Preparing for your appointment

In most cases, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an emergency situation. If you experience chest pain or suspect you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

In the days after your initial diagnosis, you're likely to have many questions about your situation. Because meetings with doctors can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to prepare by writing down your questions. Order them from most important to least important, in case time runs out.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

What caused my spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)?

What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?

What kinds of tests do I need?

What's the best treatment?

Will the tear in my artery heal on its own?

What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?

Will I have another spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)?

I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?

If I would like more children, is it safe for me to be pregnant?

Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?

Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

Don't take a chance with a heart attack: Know the facts and act fast. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/mi/heart_attack_fs_en.htm. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.

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